WE’VE GOT A PROBLEM IN COMMUNICATIONS

Everyone I know agrees–or at least say they do–that effective communications are necessary for career success and a smooth-running organization.

Despite all the lip service and investments of time, money and effort, large numbers of employees at every level give internal communications poor grades.

The result is a “trust gap” between employer and employee.

Why Does The System Breakdown?

There are five major reasons for a breakdown in internal communications.

1. Failure To Listen, Provide Feedback

Most of the investment in communications is spent on sending messages. Successful communications require good listening and feedback…a two-way street.

2. Sporadic Communications

Many organizations cripple their ability to communicate and earn credibility with an on again-off again program. This usually manifests itself when an employer rushes to communicate when the news is all good, then shuts up like a clam when things turn sour.

3. Dishonest, Misleading Communications

Many employers are foolish enough to believe that they can outright lie or mislead their employees. That never works in the long run.

4. Actions Don’t Jibe With The Words

Actions are the most powerful communications media. Frequently, employers send out messages that are totally contrary to their actions.

5. Communications Are Confusing And Irrelevant

Employers often communicate in management-speak rather than in the language and of viewpoint that the rank and file of employees can understand and embrace. Or the media are filled with fluff that serve little purpose other than to entertain and pay lip service to a commitment to communicate.

You’d be wise to look around your organization. Try to change these conditions if they are in play where you work. These practices spell trouble in today’s competitive world for employees and employers alike.

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I wish you career success!

Ramon Greenwood, Head Career Coach
Common Sense At Work

P.S. If you find career counseling such as this to be helpful, I invite you to visit my website and sign up for my free semi-monthly e-newsletter, The Career Accelerator (c). When you do you will get a free copy of my e-book, HOW TO GET A RAISE. Click here to make it happen.